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Tenseness Sought in Firm Times
But the president can still be reasonably held responsible for the urgency with which [etc.]… the speed at which [etc.]… the pressure brought to bear [etc.]… and the use of presidential rhetoric [etc.]….
Is it still necessary to point out that an infinitive phrase split by an adverb is not the best way?
Better to have written: “But the president can still reasonably be held responsible…
In tense times readers want a journalist firmly in control of his syntax.
(Quotation from Ross Douthat, “The Coronavirus Is Coming for Trump’s Presidency,” NYTimes, 3-7-20)
(c) 2020 JMN
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About JMN
I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.